Lake Chub - Couesius plumbeus
Lake Chub Color Plate - Lake Chub Color Plate
Global Rank:
G5
State Rank:
S5
Agency Status
USFWS:
none
USFS:
none
BLM:
none
CFWCS Tier:
3
General Description
The lake chub is a native minnow found in Montana's eastern and northern drainages. They are an indicator species of the core prairie fish assemblege found in the Perennial Prairie Stream Aquatic Ecological System. Lake chubs are usually 6 inches or less in length (can be confused with creek chubs in the southern part of their MT range), and are reported to be an important forage fish in some locations. Lake chubs generally prefer small, slow streams and have been illegally introduced in several mountain lakes.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Silver gray overall, dusky on back, underside whitish. A midside band is present but often indistinct. Scattered dark scales may be present, giving a speckled appearance. Breeding males develop reddish patches, particularly on the pectoral fin bases. A well-developed, rounded barbel is located slightly above each corner of the mouth.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
Runs out of lakes up to a mile or more to spawn in streams.
Habitat
Favors creek type habitat, mostly at lower elevations, and is rarely found in the larger streams. Also in some mountain lakes.
Food Habits
Feeds on plankton and small aquatic invertebrates
Ecology
May cross with longnose dace. No hybrids reported in Montana.
Reproductive Characteristics
Most are sexually mature at 3 yrs. Spawns mid May - mid June when water temps. reach 50 degrees F. No parental care. Eggs hatch in 10 days at 56 degrees F.
Citations & Sources
- Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.